A British woman who relocated to Dubai in search of better weather and lower crime has described the high cost of living in the UAE as 'dog eat dog', with essentials like yoghurt costing £12 and coffee from £7 to £10 a cup. Elbi Henshaw, 23, moved from Barnet, North London, in January after becoming fed up with the UK's 'miserable weather' and rising crime rate, echoing reasons given by Apprentice star Luisa Zissman, who is also moving to Dubai with her horses.
Henshaw, a personal trainer, said the sun in Dubai improves her mood and she feels safe walking alone at midnight. However, she noted that while there is no income tax, the cost of living is so high that it 'ends up the same as in the UK'. She estimated that a comfortable lifestyle requires around £5,000 a month, while the average salary is about £3,000, leading many to work six or seven days a week and take on extra weekend work.
Despite the challenges, Henshaw has no plans to return to the UK. She praised Dubai's cleanliness, saying 'it makes you realise how dirty the UK is', and enjoys activities like visiting air-conditioned malls, pool clubs, and luxury cinemas. However, she misses British pub culture and finds it difficult to date, as there is less sense of community and people are too busy for serious relationships.
Henshaw acknowledged that Dubai can feel lonely at first, but she reached out to others via messaging to build a social circle. She said she loves the active lifestyle and the fact that 'everyone is happier and active and they all want to be the best versions of themselves'.
